Superintendent hopefuls meet Wednesday

During a three-day span, Libby residents will have the opportunity to meet the four remaining candidates for Libby Schools superintendent.

Beginning Wednesday, there will be a special introduction at 5:30 p.m. when the public will meet Larry Markuson, Thom Peck, Scott Beagle and Judy McKay as the finalists to replace Superintendent K.W. Maki who is retiring June 30.

 On Thursday, the day after the meet and greet, the board will interview Markuson at 4 p.m., followed by Peck at 5:15 p.m. and Beagle at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, the final candidate, McKay, will be interviewed at 4 p.m. The board has reserved time afterward to discuss the candidates.

Heading into this week’s interviews, the board narrowed the field to five, but Craig Barrington, the superintendent in Conrad, withdrew his resume last week.

“I think the board has some real good candidates,” said Bob Vogel, governmental relations director for the Montana Schools Association. “There are some with good superintendent experience and others with very fine backgrounds.”

Libby School Board President Ellen Johnston concurred.

“We do have good candidates,” Johnston said. “I think we have two with superintendent experience and two who don’t. I think the meet and greet Wednesday will be a good time to shake some hands and chat a little bit.”

Johnston said it would not be out of the question for the board to make a decision on Friday after the McKay interview.

“It’s possible. It’s one of the options,” Johnston said. “Although, the board may want to go through all the candidates and discuss this again. I don’t know what the board will want to do. I’m just one of the board members.”

In all, there were nine candidates the board narrowed to five. The other four candidates include Steven Schwartz of Lavina, Mont., James Rickley of Poplar, Peter Mortensen of Maine and Donald Mathis of Texas.

Here’s a look at the bios of the four finalists in alphabetical order:

Scott Beagle currently serves as the assistant principal at Libby Elementary School (K-6). He also served as the principal of Asa Wood Elementary School (K-3) in Libby. He previously was a middle school teacher in Libby. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman. He earned his bachelor degree in mathematics/history, secondary education from the University of Montana-Western. His masters in educational leadership was earned at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.

Larry Markuson currently serves at the superintendent/principal in Augusta. He previously was the superintendent and 7-12 principal in Hot Springs. He has served as a 7-to-12 math teacher, coach and athletic director for the Whitewater (Montana) Public Schools.  He was a K-to-12 P.E./health and high school math teacher in Jordan.  He earned his bachelor degree in math and physical education and his masters in education leadership from Montana State University – Bozeman.

Judith McKay currently serves as principal (5-6) and director of academics (K-12) for the Frenchtown School District. She previously served as a teacher and math coach (K-12) for the Libby School District.  She has served as a teacher in the Butte School District and with the Lockwood School District. She has served as a teacher in the Butte School District and with the Lockwood School District.  She served as a math instructor with Montana State University – Billings.  She earned her bachelor degree in mathematics/earth science and her masters in education from Montana State University – Billings.  She completed technology coursework at Flathead Valley Community College.  Her K-12 administration licensure and superintendent licensure has been with the University of Montana – Missoula.

Thom Peck currently serves as the superintendent and athletic director for the Charlo School District. He previously served as the 6- to-12 principal for the Three Forks School District.  He served as high school principal for the Bigfork School District and as assistant principal and athletic director for the Hamilton School District. He earned his bachelor degree in biology and chemistry from Carroll College.  His masters degree in education administration is from Seattle Pacific University.  He earned his superintendents endorsement from the University of Montana – Missoula.